A KEY Exeter charity has been granted thousands of pounds in Lottery cash to launch a happy birthday project.

Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will be using the grant of £8,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to research its history as it celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. The award is made as part of the lottery fund's All Our Stories programme. The charity, which was established in 1947, is appealing to people who have either been given help and advice, or worked as a volunteer, to tell their story. It is particularly keen to get as many early memories as possible.

Exeter CAB chief executive Steve Barriball, said: "We are delighted to receive this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. We hope to make a permanent record of Exeter CAB culminating in a publication and an exhibition in the new year.

"We feel that the issues which have been dealt with by CAB volunteers over the years will paint a true picture of the social history of our city.

"This is our opportunity to tell the stories of the people who have been involved in this vital city organisation since the Second World War."

Exeter CAB is one of the first organisations to benefit from the All Our Stories small grant programme which was launched earlier this year in support of BBC Two's 'The Great British Story'. It has been designed as an opportunity for everyone to get involved in their heritage. With HLF funding and support, community groups will carry out activities that help people explore, share and celebrate their local heritage.

The popular series was presented by historian Michael Wood. He said: "We British love our history, and no wonder: few nations in the world, if any, have such riches on their doorstep, and so much of it accessible to all of us. It is really tremendous that the people of Exeter have been inspired to get involved to tell their own story and to dig deeper into their own past. It's brilliant that so many people are being given the chance to get involved through the All Our Stories grants. Having travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles this last year filming The Great British Story, I am certain that fascinating and moving stories will be uncovered which will not only bring to life the excitement of local history, but will illuminate and enrich every community's communication with the national narrative."

Richard Bellamy, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: "Clearly the success of All Our Stories has reinforced the fact that we are indeed a nation of storytellers."

If you have any memories of Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau contact project co-ordinator Sue McQueenie on 07540341650 or email sue@exetercab.org.uk